Forty years have almost passed since the birth of the modern environmental movement, Earth Day.  Gaylord Nelson, a then U.S. Senator from Wisconsin proposed the first official Earth Day as a nationwide environmental protest "to shake up the political establishment and force this issue into the national agenda." 

As the story goes, Earth Day was conceived by Senator Nelson and his assistant Dennis Hayes after a trip they took to Santa Barbara right after the horrific oil spill off our coast in 1969. They were so outraged by what they saw that upon returning to Washington D.C., Senator Nelson introduced a bill designating April 22 as a national day to celebrate the earth.

To put it all into perspective, at the time of that first Earth Day, on April 22nd, 1970, the climate in the United States was anything but focused on conserving and protecting the environment.  Americans were guzzling leaded gas through massive V8 sedans.  Factories and manufacturing plants coughed out smoke and sludge with little fear of legal consequences or bad press.  Air pollution was commonly accepted as the smell of money.  Environment was a word that appeared more often in spelling bees than on the evening news.

On that fateful day in April, Denis Hayes, the national coordinator, and his young staff organized massive coast-to-coast rallies.  Thousands of universities and colleges organized protests against the degeneration of the environment.  Coming together on that historic day, individual groups that had been fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness, and the extinction of wildlife suddenly realized they shared common values.  In all, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment.

For his role as Earth Day founder, Senator Nelson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor given to civilians in the United States.

For the 40th anniversary of Earth Day in 2010, the environment is in worse shape than ever, but there is also a huge movement toward sustainable living including the development of renewable energy resources to create our energy from the sun, instead of oil, coal and other natural resources.

Historic advances in climate policy, renewable energy and green jobs are occurring across the nation, and the world, as people make personal commitments to sustainability.  Acknowledging that Rome wasn't built in a day, the world also didn't go green overnight; however, the power of people to create change by taking small steps at home, at school and in business does add up to an enormous collective action.

Green initiatives are happening across the nation to prepare for the 40th anniversary.  Here are just a few highlights:

Charlotte, North Carolina

The Central Campus of Central Piedmont Community College will host Charlotte Clean and Green 2010 on Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM for the premier environmental and sustainability focused event in the Charlotte Mecklenburg region. Now in its third year, the festival offers individuals, families and businesses the opportunity to learn how helping to save our natural resources can also save money, create economic opportunity and provide for healthier living.

Vendors from “green” industries are anticipated to display the latest technological developments in farming, renewable energy, energy management, alternative fuel cars, new solar technology, green remodeling, and nonprofit environmental resource organizations. The festival also includes live music, delicious and healthy foods and special activities for children.

Sierra Vista , Arizona

The Sierra Vista farmers market is celebrating Earth Day from 9am to 2pm on the NW corner of Carmichael and Wilcox.  Green experts and over 60 vendors are expected to attend.  A highlight of the event will be the solar cooking and the solar powered music that will be piped in for everyone's enjoyment.

Rhinebeck , NY

The Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY, a beautiful 162-acre outdoor/indoor green facility is hosting a 2-day Earth Day event the weekend before the actual anniversary date.  This family friendly celebration offers hands-on fun activities for young and old alike and provides educational presentations and workshops on the environment.  Whether your interested in viewing the clean energy exhibits, want to take part in the next highway cleanup, or would like to get involved in a solar car competition, the Dutchess County Fairgrounds is the place to be April 17th, and 18th, 2010.

The fight for a clean environment and sustainability continues. What will you do to celebrate Earth Day and make a difference in your world?

Source SolarKnowledge by Maureen McHale